Prevalence of dental caries and tooth brushing habits among preschool children in Khartoum State, Sudan
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Date
2014
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University of the Western Cape
Abstract
Introduction: Dental caries in preschool children remains a major dental public health problem as it affects significant number of preschool children in both developed and developing countries and it is on increase in the developing ones as in Sudan due to the change in life style with the absence of oral health preventive programs and inadequate access to oral health care. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dental caries and tooth brushing habits among 3 to 5 year-olds preschool children in Khartoum state. Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional descriptive study among 553 preschool children age 3 to 5 year-olds in Khartoum state. Data were obtained through clinical examination using a modified WHO examination sheet and through interviews for mothers/guardians using a structured administered questionnaire. Results: Five hundred and fifty three preschool children aged 3- 5 year-olds participated in this study with their mothers or guardians (n=553). Girls (n= 287) slightly outnumbered boys (n= 266). The prevalence of dental caries of the children was 52.4% with mean dmft of 2.27. There was an increase in the dmft scores with increasing age. The highest brushing frequency was found among the children whose mothers had a postgraduate degree and the lowest proportion was from uneducated mothers. Eating sugar-containing food was significantly associated with dmft.
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Keywords
Dental caries, Public health problem, Preschool children, Oral health problem, Tooth brushing habits